éS Game of SKATE—Phoenix, Arizona

June 17, 2009

éS Game of SKATE in Phoenix, AZ
Winner: Diego Najera

The first éS Game of SKATE of the season went down today in Phoenix, Arizona, at the Desert West Skatepark—the first of the modern wave of skateparks in the Phoenix area. Ed and Trent and the Cowtown boys were out in support—the Cowtown crew is always supportive of skateboarding events and know how to do it right.

Two-hundred twelve skaters signed up, and fortunately the temperature at start time was only about 90 degrees–fifteen degrees cooler than a couple of Games of SKATE we’ve done there in the past. Although there were a number of Game of SKATE regulars back to skate the contest, there were definitely a lot of new faces. In the end, though, the finals came down to Ike McVickers, Derek Hamm, and last year’s winner Diego Najera. Diego won the rock-papers-scissors and never looked back, going through about 16 tricks to hammer the letters on Ike and Derek, who both hung tough for a while before finally succumbing to that last “e.” For Derek it was a nollie backside heelflip and for Ike a switch 360 flip. Diego took out both guys without ever giving up control–some good work for the youngster from El Centro, California.

We’ll be seeing Diego in SoCal in the Fall at the éS Game of SKATE Finals, date and location to be announced. Thanks to Cowtown, TransWorld SKATEboarding and Skull Candy for being part of the Game of SKATE… we hope to see you next year!